ARSENAL will reportedly go toe-to-toe with bitter rivals Tottenham to sign Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
Anderson, 24, spent the season on loan with the recently-relegated Fulham but impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the Cottagers.
The centre-back’s displays for the West Londoners are said to have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following a dismal season.
But they’re also said to have impressed the Gunners’ North London neighbours Tottenham.
And according to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are ‘in pole position’ to sign the Denmark international.
It’s been reported Tottenham are willing to splash out close to £35million to add Andersen to their collection of centre-backs.
Arsenal could, however, match Spurs’ seemingly imminent bid for the defender as they view him as a potential replacement for David Luiz.
Lyon are keen to retain Andersen’s services, although their current financial situation will likely force them to cash in on their prized assets.
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Andersen – who has made 29 league appearances this campaign – is said to be keen on staying in the Premier League after getting a taste of life in the English top flight.
Andersen was a ray of light in an otherwise disappointing season for Fulham, who were hoping to retain the Dane’s services if they beat the drop.
And Cottagers chief Scott Parker has been thoroughly impressed by the defender’s contributions this campaign.
In February, he said of Andersen: “He has been vital to the way we want to play.
“We need ball-playing defenders, which we actually have in all our defenders.
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“He has been immeasurable since entering the building.
“He is a top player who has been crucial to what we have done. His distribution and assist to the goal is also at the top level.”
Andersen and his Fulham team-mates will be back in action this afternoon, travelling to St Mary’s to take on Southampton.
Tottenham and Arsenal, meanwhile, will next take to the pitch on Sunday and next Wednesday respectively – with the former playing host to Wolves and the latter travelling to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
